CVE-2016-3124 in SimpleSAMLphp
Summary
by MITRE
The sanitycheck module in SimpleSAMLphp before 1.14.1 allows remote attackers to learn the PHP version on the system via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3124 affects the sanitycheck module within SimpleSAMLphp versions prior to 1.14.1, representing a significant information disclosure weakness that exposes sensitive system details to remote attackers. This flaw resides in the module's improper handling of system information retrieval processes, where unspecified vectors allow malicious actors to extract PHP version information from affected systems. The vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure as defined by CWE-200, which encompasses weaknesses that enable unauthorized information access and can provide attackers with valuable intelligence for subsequent exploitation phases.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the sanitycheck module's codebase. When the module processes certain requests, it inadvertently reveals PHP version details through error messages, response headers, or direct output streams without proper access controls or sanitization measures. Attackers can leverage this information to identify potential attack vectors, as different PHP versions may have known vulnerabilities, compatibility issues, or specific exploitation techniques that could be applied against the target system. This type of information leakage aligns with ATT&CK technique T1082, which focuses on system information discovery through indirect means.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as PHP version information serves as crucial reconnaissance data for attackers planning more sophisticated attacks. Knowledge of the specific PHP version enables threat actors to determine whether the system is running vulnerable components, potentially exposing the environment to known exploits, or to identify compatibility issues that might be leveraged in chain attacks. The exposure of PHP version details creates an attack surface that can be combined with other reconnaissance techniques to build comprehensive system profiles, making the overall security posture of the affected environment more vulnerable to targeted attacks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to SimpleSAMLphp version 1.14.1 or later, which contains patches addressing this information disclosure vulnerability. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix typically involves proper input validation, output sanitization, and ensuring that system information is not exposed through the sanitycheck module's response handling. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other modules or components that might be susceptible to similar information disclosure issues, as this vulnerability represents a broader category of weaknesses that could compromise system security.